They sat in their usual booth at the usual place. Two booths down from where they sat on their first date.
Tonight wasn't their second date or third or fourth. Well, at this point they weren't really dating anymore.
He wanted attention and sex and a comfort blanket while he sorted through the emotional residue of his ex.
He'd deny all of that, though. He was a nice guy after all.
She wanted love and security and longevity and validation from an outside source as opposed to a mantra she repeated to herself every morning.
She'd deny all of that, though. She was an independent woman after all.
He smiled that smile that could move her to tears.
She moved her lips in that way that made it impossible for him to hear a word she said.
They both tried to focus.
She told herself before hand that she wouldn't bring it up. There'd be no talk of "What are we doing?" "Why am I here?" "What do you want from me?"
He told himself... Well, I'm not sure what he told himself.
They ate and drank and joked with the waitress.
He cracked jokes with that Will Smith charm.
She poured out her intellect and he drank every drop.
He reached over the table and hovered his lips in front over hers. He killed her with anticipation.
They kissed.
Again.
And again.
She knew there was nothing better.
He wasn't quite sure.
She missed being loved.
He teased her heart and she enjoyed the fatal stimulation.
He wanted her but...
He wanted her but something...something she'd never really know.
No matter how many times he explained it.
She felt victim to karma. A seasoned heartbreaker herself.
Alas.
He walked her to her car after she refused to "sit and talk" in his.
He asked to see her again. She broke her promise and asked him why...why not...why not me...why not so many things.
He spurted words but did not answer.
They kissed again and said goodbye.
She kicked herself as she drove away and choked on the cliche caught in her throat.
She said goodbye without him. She said goodbye for good until they'd meet again.